Cerebellum-Cortical Interaction in Spatial Navigation and Its Alteration in Dementias

The cerebellum has a homogeneous structure and performs different computational functions such as modulation/coordination of the communication between cerebral regions, and regulation/integration of sensory information. Albeit cerebellar activity is generally associated with motor functions, several...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Brain sciences 2022-04, Vol.12 (5), p.523
Main Authors: Mirino, Pierandrea, Pecchinenda, Anna, Boccia, Maddalena, Capirchio, Adriano, D'Antonio, Fabrizia, Guariglia, Cecilia
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alzheimer's disease
Brain stem
brainstem
Cerebellum
Cognitive ability
Cognitive models
Computational neuroscience
Dementia
Dementia disorders
Executive function
Inferior olivary nucleus
Memory
Navigation behavior
Neurodegeneration
Neurodegenerative diseases
Review
Sensory integration
spatial navigation
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Summary:The cerebellum has a homogeneous structure and performs different computational functions such as modulation/coordination of the communication between cerebral regions, and regulation/integration of sensory information. Albeit cerebellar activity is generally associated with motor functions, several recent studies link it to various cognitive functions, including spatial navigation. In addition, cerebellar activity plays a modulatory role in different cognitive domains and brain processes. Depending on the network involved, cerebellar damage results in specific functional alterations, even when no function loss might be detected. In the present review, we discuss evidence of brainstem degeneration and of a substantial reduction of neurons in nuclei connected to the inferior olivary nucleus in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Based on the rich patterns of afferences from the inferior olive nucleus to the cerebellum, we argue that the subtle alterations in spatial navigation described in the early stages of dementia stem from alterations of the neuromodulatory functions of the cerebellum.
ISSN:2076-3425
2076-3425
DOI:10.3390/brainsci12050523